Complete Schedule and Fixtures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup Expands Across North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a major expansion in soccer’s most celebrated tournament, growing to include 48 teams for the first time. This edition will be hosted jointly by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The U.S. last hosted in 1994, while Mexico has held the tournament twice before, in 1970 and 1986. Canada will welcome World Cup matches for the very first time.

The group stage draw took place on December 5, 2025, revealing the matchups and potential routes to the final. Detailed schedules, including times and venues, were released on December 6.

Tournament Format for 2026

The competition kicks off with 12 groups of four teams each. The top two from every group move forward, joined by the eight best third-place teams, creating a 32-team knockout bracket. Teams face single-elimination matches from there, avoiding rematches from the group stage in the first knockout round.

Teams reaching the semifinals will have played eight matches total: three group games followed by five knockout rounds, including the final or third-place playoff.

Group Stage Overview

The hosts are placed in predetermined groups: Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the U.S. in Group D. Top-ranked teams Spain, Argentina, France, and England are distributed to avoid early clashes.

Selected Group A fixtures:

• June 11, 3 p.m. ET: Mexico 2-0 South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
• June 11, 10 p.m. ET: South Korea 2-1 Czechia at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
• June 18, 9 p.m. ET: Mexico vs. South Korea at Estadio Akron

Similar detailed tables and fixtures exist for Groups B through L, covering all 48 participating teams across venues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Advancement of Third-Place Teams

The eight highest-ranked third-place finishers in the group stage will progress to the knockout rounds. The remaining four third-place teams will be eliminated.

Knockout Stage Dates and Venues

The Round of 32 begins June 28, with matches spread across multiple stadiums such as SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, NRG Stadium in Houston, and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Round of 16 matches take place July 4-7, quarterfinals on July 9-11, and semifinals on July 14 and 15. The third-place playoff is scheduled for July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Where to Find Tickets and Updates

Fans can purchase tickets now through platforms like StubHub. The Sporting News will continue to provide updates, results, and highlights throughout the tournament.

About the Author

Kyle Bonn, a Syracuse University graduate with extensive experience in global soccer coverage, specializes in tactics and betting. He also works as a broadcaster for Wake Forest soccer and has contributed to NBC Soccer and IMG College. Outside of work, Kyle follows the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham, and enjoys racquetball and video games.